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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) are native freshwater fish belonging to the sucker family (Catostomidae) found throughout Michigan's rivers, streams, and lakes.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:

These bottom-feeding fish typically measure 12-18 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, though specimens up to 26 inches and 4-5 pounds have been recorded.

They're distinguished by their golden scales on the sides, olive-colored backs, white bellies, and slate gray tail fins with a fusiform body shape.

Golden Redhorse have a pointed dorsal fin with distinct dark bands along the edges of back scales and typically nine pelvic fin rays.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They inhabit diverse water bodies including rivers, streams, and lakes. They prefer freshwater streams, creeks, and rivers with varied substrates, and occasionally in lakes or reservoirs connected to streams.

Key Locations

Clinton River watershed, St. Joseph River system, Grand River, Paint Creek, and various inland lakes. Productive Michigan waters include the Clinton River system (where they're common), St. Joseph River, Grand River, Paint Creek, and various inland lakes connected to streams.

Specific Spots

Focus on deeper pools, slow-moving areas with sand and silt bottoms, and areas near structure like fallen logs or undercut banks. Commonly found over sand and silt in pools. Look for them in mud-bottomed to rock-bottomed pools, runs, and riffles of creeks and small to large rivers. They often feed in slower areas where dead and dying eggs from other spawning fish wash downstream. Focus fishing efforts on areas with moderate current and mixed substrates, particularly where tributaries enter main rivers.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Golden Redhorse in Michigan?

Most productive during early spring when water temperatures reach 42°F. Target them primarily in March-April before spawning and again in late May-June after spawning concludes. Spawning period occurs in April-May and should be avoided.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Michigan?

Fish several inches off the stream bottom. Bottom-fishing techniques. Night fishing can be effective. Gigging with multi-headed spears is another traditional method, often using mounted lights on boats. Present natural baits on or near the bottom.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

As bottom-feeders, they consume microcrustaceans, aquatic insects, detritus, algae, small mollusks, and larval mayflies, caddisflies, and midges using their protrusible mouth.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Michigan?

They inhabit diverse water bodies including rivers, streams, and lakes. They prefer freshwater streams, creeks, and rivers with varied substrates, and occasionally in lakes or reservoirs connected to streams.

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